Dallas won because special teams delivered a 2-0 power-play advantage while Minnesota converted 0-of-7 opportunities, a swing that produced the decisive two-goal margin.
⚡TURNING POINT
Johnston's power-play goal at 19:10 of the third — with Minnesota pressing for an equalizer at 2-3 — eliminated any realistic comeback window and converted a one-goal game into a closed verdict. The timing mattered as much as the goal itself: Dallas scored on the power play with 50 seconds left, forcing Minnesota to accept defeat rather than deploy their own man-advantage in response.
🏆WHY DAL WON (ranked by impact — most decisive first)
1
Special Teams Conversion: 2-for-8 (25.0%) on the power play, 2 goals — both Dallas power-play goals came at structurally decisive moments (taking the lead in P2, sealing it in P3 late).
2
Power-Play Distribution: Johnston 1 PPG, Duchene 1 PPG — two different shooters converted, preventing Minnesota from keying on a single threat.
3
Shot Volume Under Pressure: Robertson generated 5 shots on goal in 16:36; Heiskanen added 5 in 26:06 — Dallas sustained offensive pressure that forced the Minnesota penalties enabling both power plays.
📉WHY MIN LOST (ranked by impact — biggest failure first)
1
Power-Play Collapse: 0-for-7 (0.0%) — Minnesota drew seven power plays and converted none, squandering the one area where they held a numerical edge across the game.
2
Penalty Discipline: 14 PIMs against 12 for Dallas — Minnesota took more penalties and paid for it on both Dallas conversions while generating nothing in return.
3
Giveaway Volume: 12 giveaways against Dallas's 11 — despite winning 54.8% of faceoffs, Minnesota could not sustain possession in the offensive zone long enough to manufacture power-play looks of quality.
Three Stars
Jake Oettinger1st
DAL, G
SV% .933
Oettinger's save percentage held Minnesota to 2 goals on 30 shots, backstopping Dallas through seven power-play kills and denying Faber's dual-goal performance from having greater impact.
Matt Duchene2nd
DAL, C
1G 1A2P1 PPG
Duchene's power-play goal at 4:02 of the second gave Dallas the lead they would not relinquish at even strength, and his assist on Robertson's goal extended it.
Brock Faber3rd
MIN, D
2G 0A2P+26 SOG in 26:42 TOI
Faber's two even-strength goals were the only reason Minnesota remained competitive, but his output could not compensate for his team's 0-for-7 power play.
